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What is Progeria? Causes, symptoms and treatment of rare Benjamin Button ageing condition affecting YouTuber Adalia Rose

Progeria is a rare genetic condition which causes premature ageing

PREGORIA is a rare condition which is sometimes referred to as the ‘Benjamin Button’ condition.

The name references the book and film, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, where the titular character, played by Brad Pitt in the film, is born old and then progressively gets younger.

 Adalia Rose suffers from pregoria
Adalia Rose suffers from pregoriaCredit: Barcroft Media

What is Progeria?

Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome, otherwise known as Pregoria or HGPS, is a rare and fatal genetic condition.

Another progeria syndrome is Werner’s syndrome, otherwise known as “adult progeria”.

This type does not manifest itself until the late teen years, and sufferers have a life expectancy into their 40’s and 50’s.

There is thought to be 100 known cases in the world, and according to a study from the Netherlands it affects one in four million births.

 Pregoria is a rare genetic disorder
Pregoria is a rare genetic disorder

Progeria causes accelerated ageing, with sufferers commonly displaying ailments associated with old age.

The Progeria Foundation says: “Children with Progeria begin to display many characteristics of accelerated ageing within the first two years of life.



People with progeria often have small, frail frames compared to their heads, and have a distinctive appearance of a shallow jaw and pinched nose.

They also suffer full-body alopecia – where they have no hair.

Often the physical appearance caused by their condition becomes more pronounced as they get older.

Despite their physical problems, it is thought they retain all their mental faculties unlike some elderly people, who can develop dementia and associated conditions as they age.

Progeria does not affect the reproductive organs, and there have been cases of women with the condition giving birth to healthy babies.

 Pregoria usually develops around a few months old
Pregoria usually develops around a few months oldCredit: Barcroft Media

Causes, symptoms and treatment

Progeria is a genetic condition with no cure, and despite being genetic it is not inherited.

The Progeria Foundation says: “HGPS is caused by a mutation in the gene called LMNA (pronounced, lamin – a).


Symptoms of Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria

  • Rapid ageing
  • Hair loss
  • High pitched voice
  • Stiff joints and abnormalities
  • Prominent eyes
  • Thin nose with beaked tip
  • Thin lips and small chin
  • Protuding ears
  • Difficulty putting on weight

Source: Medicine Net

“Researchers now believe that the defective Lamin A protein makes the nucleus unstable.

“That cellular instability appears to lead to the process of premature aging in Progeria.”

Diagnosis of progeria is followed by a genetic test for LMNA mutations, and usually follows symptoms appearing.

While there is no cure for the condition itself, there are treatments for the associated complications, such as coronary bypass surgery.

 Adalia Rose has 1.5 m subscribers
Adalia Rose has 1.5 m subscribersCredit: Barcroft Media

Who is YouTuber Adalia Rose?

Adalia Rose is an 11-year-old social media star from Texas, who lives with her mum Natalia, stepfather Ryan and three younger brothers.

Adalia is a YouTube star with 1.5 million followers, and racks up 170 million views on her videos.

She was first diagnosed with progeria at three months old, but still lives life to the fullest.

Her videos often show her dancing or performing make up tutorials with her mum.

Reflecting on her online fame, Adalia said: "I guess I am a diva because I always get what I want!"

She added how, despite her life expectancy of 13, her daughter is praised for "how she's inspirational and how she doesn't let anything stop her."

Progeria sufferer Shreyash Barmate looks 60 but is just 11-years-old